TASTE of the West, the food and drink organisation for the south west, has launched this year’s awards.

John Sheaves, the organisation’s chief executive, pictured inset, said the Taste of the West gold, silver and bronze award winners’ logos are widely recognised as signs of quality.

He said: “We are delighted to have launched the 2014 awards as we look forward to another record-breaking year in this, our 21st year.

“Throughout February we encouraged all producers to enter their products into the programme.

“We are also looking for owners and managers of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops to enter the retail and hospitality categories.

“In fact, everyone who believes in the high quality of local and regional food and drink should get involved.”

The judging of all food and drink entries takes place this year over the Easter holidays, and the bronze, silver and gold winners will be announced at the end of April.

The 2014 awards ceremony will then take place in early autumn, where the Best of Category winners and the winner of the coveted Champion Product will be announced.

All award winners will receive a Taste of the West certificate, winners’ logos to help them advertise their wins plus window stickers and the opportunity to purchase labels and plaques.

Entries for product awards are now closed but hospitality and retail establishments have until July 1 to enter.

Entries are invited from Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Entry forms are available to download from the website, tasteofthewest.co.uk.